Happy Birthday Teller-Woo....

One year ago I drove down to meet Kara and a very pregnant Emmie, who waddled into the vet's office for her scheduled c-section. We took some good natured "bets" on how many of what was inside her womb. I had dreamed - weeks before that there would be 4 boys and 2 girls - six babies total - this was even before the first ultrasound predicted 3 puppies and the xray the day before revealed six little spines...

Poor Em got shaved from stem to stern exposing an even bigger belly than we could have thought possible with little masses inside ping-ponging around rippling the skin on her tummy.

Teller was the fourth puppy to come out, the third boy and when he came out he made his arrival known - screaming loudly demanding that someone feed him immediately. As he was placed in the incubator to be rubbed dry and warm he wanted no part of it, grabbing the towels with his gummy mouth and moving them out of his way..."Mark that one Kara, he gets to go live with someone else" I said. Kara smiled and said - "oh no, I'm pretty sure screamer is going to be yours"....Screamer - great, that's JUST the quality I'm looking for in my next performance dog and my first breed dog prospect....
As his first 8 weeks flew by, it became more and more apparent that Screamer was pretty much destined to come home with me. His temperament, personality, charisma and conformation made it so. And after several evaluations and quickly considering another one of his littermates, Screamer became Teller and the rest...ah-hem has been history....

Reflecting back on the last year, I got everything I wanted in a puppy - and more. I got the drive I was looking for, a balanced temperament and a dog with an unbelievable sense of humor and joy in life. Teller greets each and every new day knowing that the sun is shining somewhere (if not in Vermont) and the day was created for his pleasure - what can he learn and do today? Sometimes in spite of my own mood I always cave and catch some of his Joie de vie. Teller still greets absolutely everyone as an old friend and his enthusiasm for life continues to be contagious - even to Murphy.

Teller meets Murphy - March 5th, 2007

Teller meets Q - March 5th, 2007

He loves his Q.

He loves his Murphy.

And he loves his toys

Truly comes to visit and the duo learn about easy cheese..."Sista Truly, you taste like cheese".

And the fun begins....

Murphy used to have the upper jaw...I mean upper hand...

Woo used to sleep a lot...

Even the snow was good according to Teller.

He started his obedience and agility lessons right away...

Practicing his show stack

Teller's first match - best puppy in breed/sporting group 2nd

Freestacking has always been one of his best skills

Teller on his first birthday

And lastly a little video treat - Teller playing some baby agility:


Here's to many more years of all that makes you my Wooie! Happy 1st Birthday Teller, Truly, Diva, Laser, Robbie and Buddy - may 2008 bring even more smiles and joy...